Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Here's a list of predatory bugs, their target food source and an attractant (courtesy of http://www.ommas-aarden.net/comp_plant.htm )

More info on the braconid wasp here at Brisbane insects

Assassin Bug -- Caterpillars, Flies

Big-Eyed Bug -- Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Mites;
attracted by: Clover, Goldenrod, Soybeans.

Braconid Wasp -- Aphids, Armyworm, Cabbageworm, Cornborer, Codling Moth, Elm Bark Beetle, Horn Worm;
attracted by: Dill, Parsley, Yarrow.

Damselbug --Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Thrips;
attracted by: Alfalfa.

Ground Beetle --Caterpillars, Cabbage Maggot, Colorado Potato Beetle Larvae, Cutworms, Slugs, Snails;
attracted by: Clover.

Honeybee -- Pollinator

Hover Fly (Syrphid Fly) -- the larvae eat aphids, various beetles and caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs and thrips
-attracted by: chamomile, asters, cornflower, black-eyed Susans and marigolds.

Ichneumon Wasp --Beetle larvae, Caterpillars, Sawfly,

Lacewing --Aphids, Corn Earworms, Mites, Thrips

Lady Beetle --Aphids attracted by: morning glory vines, angelica, coreopsis, cosmos, sweet alyssum and tansy.

Minute Pirate Bug --Leafhopper nymphs, Spider mites, Thrips

Predatory Mite (persimilis) -- European Red Mites, Spider Mites

Praying Mantis -- Also predates beneficials

Rove Beetle --Aphids, Cabbage Maggot, Flies, Mites, Springtails

Soldier Beetle --Aphids, Beetle larvae, Caterpillars, Corn Rootworm, Cucumber Beetle, Grasshopper eggs;
attracted by: Goldenrod, Milkweed, Hydrangea

Spined Soldier Bug -- Caterpillars, Sawfly larvae

Tachinid Fly --Caterpillars

Tiger Beetle --General predator

Yellowjacket -- Flies, caterpillars

Beneficial Parasitoid Wasps and Hoverflies are attracted to:
Alyssum, Buckwheat, Cilantro, Fennel, Mustard, Phacelia, and Yarrow

Beneficial predator insects are attracted to these pollen and nectar plants :
Carrot, Catnip, Coneflowers, Daisy, Dill, Fennel, Goldenrod, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme, Yarrow.

Good bugs can be purchased from The Beneficial Bug Coy or Bugs for Bugs


Thanks Les

good one J and les

Reviving an old thread :-)

I was looking for information on how to deal with pests.

The list above is awesome.

Other tips:

• Growing a lot of variety: makes it harder for bugs to find their target plant, and other plants will atract natural ennemies. (Eg: cabbage and mustard plants will atract ichneumon wasp)
• Have a flowerbed near your system. nectar will atract predatory bugs, and that nectar will also improve their strength and give them a better chance at producing offspring and/or keep them alive longer.

Looks like I am going to have to plant some clover in the growbeds
Nice info